SAUNDERS NCLEX-RN ACID BASE EXAM QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS

SAUNDERS NCLEX-RN ACID BASE EXAM QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS A client has had an arterial blood gas sample drawn from the radial artery, and the nurse is asked to hold pressure on the site. The nurse should apply pressure for at least how many minute(s)? 1. 1 minute 2. 2 minutes 3. 5 minutes 4. 10 minutes - Answer-3. 5 minutes Rationale: After blood is drawn for arterial blood gas analysis, continuous pressure must be applied to the site. A radial artery site requires at least 5 minutes of pressure, whereas a femoral artery site requires 10 minutes. A small pressure dressing often is placed on the site after this time period. When the client is receiving anticoagulant therapy, application of pressure for a longer period may be needed. The nurse is reviewing the arterial blood gas (ABG) values of a client and notes that the pH is 7.31, Pco2 is 50 mm Hg, and the bicarbonate (HCO3) level is 27 mEq/L. The nurse concludes that which acid-base disturbance is present in this client? 1.Metabolic acidosis 2.Metabolic alkalosis 3.Respiratory acidosis 4.Respiratory alkalosis - Answer-3.Respiratory acidosis Rationale: In respiratory acidosis the pH is decreased and the Pco2 level is increased. Options 1, 2, and 4 are incorrect. In respiratory alkalosis, the pH is elevated with a decrease in Pco2. In metabolic acidosis, both the pH and the HCO3 are decreased. In metabolic alkalosis, the pH and HCO3 are increased. In a client seen in the health care clinic, arterial blood gas analysis gives the following results: pH 7.48, Pco2 32 mm Hg, Po2 94 mm Hg, HCO3 level 24 mEq/L. The nurse interprets that the client has which acid-base disturbance? 1.Metabolic acidosis 2.Metabolic alkalosis 3.Respiratory acidosis 4.Respiratory alkalosis - Answer-4.Respiratory alkalosis Rationale: The normal pH is 7.35 to 7.45. The normal Pco2 is 35 to 45 mm Hg, and the normal HCO3 concentration is 22 to 27 mEq/L. The pH is elevated in alkalosis and low in acidosis. In a respiratory condition, an opposite effect will be seen between the pH and the Pco2. In a metabolic condition, the pH and the bicarbonate move in the same direction.